Sometimes when we are nervous about learning something new, we tend to "catastrophize" about what could happen. Is your fear of being abducted based on any reality, like it's happened in your area, or to you in the past? Having a cell phone takes care of just about any of the things that would normally happen on a bike, if you can't take care of it yourself. If you crash and get hurt, you call someone, or in an emergency, there will always be some good samaritan who does it for you. You should look into getting a Road ID www.roadid.com, so your information is accessible.
The key to getting started is to practice, practice, practice. I also second the suggestion in the other thread you started; take the Traffic Skills 101 class, or call one of the LCIs who might give you some private lessons. Go to a bike shop and ask if there are any rides for beginners or anyone there would be willing to ride with you in the spring.
Everyone has their own learning curve, and the key is to do what is right for you, but not let the fear be paralyzing.